Hiking adventure in Jotunheimen

Join us and experience Jotunheimen nationalpark in eastern Norway. It is easy to understand why this area have become popular destination for nature lovers all over. Jotunheimen has a magnificent scenery with breath-taking views from the summits.

On this adventure tour, you get to hike around Gjende, which is an area steeped in history. British lords came here in the 19th century to explore the wild landscape. Besseggen is one of Norway's most hiked mountains, and this is a hike you should definitely cross off your 'hikes to do' list. During the hike, you will have a fantastic view of the wild Jotunheimen mountains. In the steep sections, you will get a great sense of mastery. Besseggen has been an attractive hike for Norwegians and others for many years already. It is not a particularly difficult hike technically or physically, and we cannot wait to show you the stunning view on the ridge - this is a landscape full of contrasts!

The following day, we hike up Bukkelægret, which is sometimes referred to as Besseggen's little brother, but many people think that this is an even lovelier hike, as it is more lush and wild. Before we leave Gjende, we take a one-hour boat adventure tour on the green lake, which is fed by meltwater from the glaciers in the vicinity. We hike into the mountains towards mysterious Glitterheim before we head into Spiterstulen. Here we will hike up Norway's highest mountain – Galdhøpiggen (2,469 msl). Every evening, we stay in comfortable tourist cabins where we eat three-course meals prepared from local products from the areas around Jotunheimen. There is not much transport on this trip, you spend little time on buses and a lot of time in the mountains. We organise luggage transport on the first two days. If interested, this can also be organised for the other days at an additional cost. During the trip, we stay in pleasant mountain cabins set in beautiful, unspoilt landscapes.

The adventure tour starts in Oslo, so, if you have time, we recommend that you a set aside a few days for sightseeing before or after the tour. Please contact us if you want any tips on what hotels you should choose, and what things you should do while staying here!

DIFFICULTY

Level 3 out of 5. Please read more about our level of difficulty here.

WHAT TO BRING?

Have a look at the full equipment list by clicking "Equipment list" in the menu above.

ACCOMMODATION

We stay at mountain cabins with served food and reasonably good standards, in twin rooms. All meals are included as described in the day to day program.

INSURANCE

You need a travel and health insurance, that also include transportation back to your country. Remember to bring your insurance card/information.

LANGUAGES

The guide speaks English.

CHANGES MAY OCCUR

We reserve the right to make changes to the program, and the price. The day to day program is indicative, and changes may occur. Please have a look at our terms and conditions.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

Minimum: 4 people; Maximum: 16 people.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Professional nature guide

Accommodation for 6 nights

Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner (as described in the day to day program).

All local transport.

NOTINCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Transportation to the meeting point in Oslo.

Drinks and snacks.

Day 1: Oslo-Gjendesheim

We meet at Oslo Bus Terminal, and take the bus to Gjendesheim together in the early afternoon. We eat a three-course dinner at Gjendesheim, and those who wish can have a taste of the local beer. We talk about the days ahead and the route for the first day's hiking before we retire for a good night's sleep.

(-/-/D)

Day 2: Besseggen

We eat an early breakfast, send our luggage with the boat and start the day's hike, which normally takes 7–8 hours. It is no coincidence that Besseggen is one of Norway's most popular hikes. The fantastic view across the wild Jotunheimen mountains and the steep sections that give hikers a great sense of mastery, combined with the fact that it is not a particularly difficult hike, are part of what makes it so popular. Standing on top of the ridge that we descend, you can see the green glacial lake Gjende on one side and the deep-blue Bessvatnet lake on the other – this a landscape full of contrasts! We come down to Memurubu cabin, which is set in an idyllic location by the lake. This is an old mountain pasture farm, which is now a popular mountain cabin. We eat a three-course dinner there and recharge our batteries for the next day.

(B/L/D)

Day 3: Bukkelægret – an extension of Besseggen

We eat a hearty breakfast, make a packed lunch and send our luggage with the boat to the next cabin. The day's hike takes 5–6 hours. Many people think the hike over Bukkelægret is every bit as lovely as Besseggen. There are some very steep sections on this hike, but there is a wire to hold on to. Bukkelægret is known for its rich fauna, so this is a lovely hike in lush landscape. When we get to Gjendebu, at the head of Gjende lake, we get our luggage and settle in before we eat a delicious three-course dinner and enjoy the view of the lake.

(B/L/D)

Day 4: Hike from Memurubu to Glitterheim

After breakfast, we take the boat back to Memurubu and head into the mountains towards Glitterheim. This hike takes us into the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, where we are surrounded by snow-capped mountains of 2,000 metres. We carry our own luggage now, so it's important to pack light. The hike gets off to a steep start and the route is fairly hilly. The hike takes about 8 hours. A three-course dinner awaits us at Glitterheim.

(B/L/D)

Day 5: Glittertind to Spiterstulen, possibility of hiking to the summit of Glittertind

We have two route choices today, we can either go over Glittertind, Norway's second highest summit, a lovely and relatively easy summit of 2,000 metres, but the overall hike will be long (around 9 hours). If our legs are tired or the weather is unfavourable, we can walk along the edge of the mountain. This alternative takes around 6 hours and is in easier terrain. At Spiterstulen, we will eat a three-course dinner and rest our feet before hiking up Norway's highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen, the following day.

(B/L/D)

Day 6: Hike to Galdhøpiggen – Norway's highest mountain

After breakfast, we start the day by taking a bus up to Juvasshytta cabin. Here, we meet our glacier guide who will guide us across the Juvassbreen glacier. We hike for an hour to get to the glacier, where we put on the glacier equipment we all borrow. It takes around an hour to cross the glacier. After that, it takes an hour or two to hike to the summit (2,469 metres). From here, we can see 2/3 of Norway! There is a cabin on the summit, where we can buy snacks and drinks. The overall trip takes 6–7 hours. When we get back down to Juvasshytta cabin, a bus will be waiting to take us down to Elveseter.

(B/L/D)

Day 7: Scheduled bus service to Oslo

We eat a hearty breakfast and talk about everything we have experienced before we board the bus back to Oslo. The trip concludes when we arrive in Oslo in the early evening.

(B/L/-)

B = breakfast includedL = lunch included (normally you make your own lunchbox at the breakfast)D = dinner included

Take a good look at this list, and make sure you bring everything you need. We encourage you to use what you have for this trip, and purchase items if youre missing something important on the list below. We have divided the gear list into three categories:

1) Required:If you do not own this gear, you must acquire it for your trip.

2) Recommended:Gear we suggest to be comfortable, but it is not imperative.

3) Optional: Fun, additional luxuries.

Layering is extremely important in a variable climate like Norway. This list will guide you through the essentials. Remember the Norwegian saying "There is no bad weather, only bad gear", and prepare appropriately for any weather. You can read about weather where youre traveling here.

The video below is for SUMMER gear, despite the snow in the background. Welcome to Norway!

We always recommend wool in the Norwegian Mountains, but if you already have synthetic layers and don't want to buy new ones, synthetic is okay.

REQUIRED:

BASE LAYER

Wool long-sleeved top and bottom.

MID-LAYER

A medium thickness wool or fleece top.

INSULATED JACKET

A warm jacket for breaks and before after hiking. We recommend a puffy jacket with down or synthetic. Something equivalant in warmth is also okay.

SHELL / RAIN JACKET

Gore-Tex or similar is mandatory. Extrememly important in Norwegian climate. The jacket must be waterproof, have a hood, and make sure you don’t get wet even if it rains all day. We recommend jackets with pit zips for ventilation.

HIKING PANTS

Hiking pants comfortable for all day wear. Should fit your long underwear beneathe and fit under your rain shell pants if you choose to bring some. Zip off into shorts or an additional pair of shorts is option.

Make sure you bring any personal meds you need on your trip, and ensure the Hvitserk office is updated on your allergies or needs.

RECOMMENDED:

WOOL UNDERWEAR

We highly recommend bringing wool underwear and bra for hiking. No cotton.

WATERPROOF SHELL PANTS

We recommend having a water proof layer for your legs in case the weather is cold and rainy. You will enjoy the hiking more when warm and comfortable.

SCARF OR BUFF

A layer to protect your neck or face.

THERMOS

We recommend a thermos for hot drinks to have with you all day.

SWIMWEAR

A bathing suit and small towel if you would like to swim, hottub or sauna depending on your trip.

TREKKING POLES

Most guests prefer hiking with poles. Helps with challenging terrain and to maintain energy over long days.

HEADLAMP

Important item to always have in your pack. Emergency back up and useful for long days.

FIRST AID KIT

If you have certain hiking aids specific to you: i.e. blister care or ibuprofen, etc...

CAMERA

Its important to be present while hiking, but also a great joy to bring some snapshots home with you for memory lane.

CASUAL CLOTHES

A reminder to bring a set of clothes for transfers, relaxing in the evenings, and non-hiking time. An extra, dry pair of shoes is recommended for after and before hiking.

OPTIONAL:

ANTIBAC

If you need it for the bathroom or lunch.

WET WIPE OR TOILET PAPER

If you have a bathroom emergency while hiking. We use "pack it in pack it out" ethics, so you will need to carry out your used items and throw them away later.

EAR PLUGS

If youre a light sleeper.

JOURNAL

In order to take notes and write about the trip.

SNACKS

Chocolate, nuts or energy bars if there is something particular you enjoy eating. You will have the opportunity to buy snacks on your trip.

SLEEPING MASK

To cover your eyes when sleeping in 24 hour light. You can aslo use your buff.

Bed linens and towels are included all nights.

1. Select departure

There are currently no departures for this trip. You can, however, contact us at [email protected], to keep you updated on any upcoming departures. If you want, we may customize a trip like this just for you.